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He admitted what he had done but pleaded for the boyfriend not to tell police – even offering to be beaten up rather than face justice.

The defendant, who now lives in Southampton, admitted one charge of sexual assault and was given a community order at Exeter Crown Court.

The judge was told the woman had been left in tears by the assault and was now fearful of going out alone.

Akhtar said he had not deliberately tried to touch the woman’s private parts and he often touched people’s legs as a form of affection.

Prosecutor Gordon Richings said the incident happened in July last year.

The victim had been to Rosies nightclub in Mary Arches Street but when she left realised she had no money for a taxi. She arranged for her boyfriend to pick her up at the back of the Chevalier Inn and it was while walking down George Street that the defendant started to pester her.

He asked her what her name was and would not go away when she refused to answer, said Mr Richings.

He then assaulted the woman who managed to push him away.

“Her boyfriend arrived in his car and the defendant had run down George Street,” said the prosecutor.

The victim pointed her attacker out and he was stopped.

Akhtar initially denied touching the man’s girlfriend but then started to apologise.

“He pleaded with him not to call the police and offered the man to beat him up rather than contact the police,” said Mr Richings.

The victim said in a statement she was now extremely nervous when she went out. She had not been able to tell members of her family about the incident because of the embarrassment she felt.